Autonomous Mobile Robot Follow-Up Control Using UWB Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous mobile robot systems face challenges in determining the relative position of master and slave robots without relying on a server, especially in areas with poor communication connectivity, leading to difficulties in seamless follow-up control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signal transmission and reception modules in both master and slave robots, using multiple antennas and blocking members to accurately determine the relative position and direction of the master robot, allowing for seamless follow-up control regardless of server communication state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the master robot transmits relative position information to the slave robot through a server using WLAN technology, then communication between robots is established, but communication may be disconnected when robots are located where it is difficult to communicate with the server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces UWB modules as an intermediary communication mechanism between the master and slave robots. This direct peer-to-peer communication channel bypasses the server intermediary, ensuring reliable position information transmission even when server connectivity is unavailable. The UWB modules act as a backup intermediary that maintains communication reliability without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from WLAN (server-based) to UWB (direct communication). This parameter change enables robots to transmit position information directly to each other using ultra-wideband technology, eliminating dependency on server connectivity and ensuring reliable communication in areas with poor network coverage.
2Measurement precision
If the master robot determines its position related to the slave robot using obstacle detection device position data, then position determination is achieved, but the slave robot cannot determine the position of the master robot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different determination approaches: the master robot uses obstacle detection device position data to determine the slave robot's position, while the slave robot uses UWB signal reception to determine the master robot's position. By combining these two methods, the system achieves bidirectional position recognition with high precision and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the position determination system universal by enabling both robots to determine each other's positions through different but complementary methods. The master robot has dual capability (obstacle detection + UWB), while the slave robot has UWB capability, creating a universal bidirectional position recognition system that works for both robots regardless of their role.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for follow-up control to determine relative position and direction, then accurate position determination is achieved, but sensor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with electromagnetic field-based UWB technology. Instead of using multiple physical sensors to detect position and direction, the system uses UWB signal transmission and reception with multiple antennas to achieve the same measurement precision. This substitution reduces sensor quantity and cost while maintaining accurate relative position and direction determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from physical sensor detection to electromagnetic signal-based measurement. By using UWB technology with multiple antennas for signal reception and processing, the system achieves accurate position and direction determination without requiring multiple physical sensors, thereby reducing overall sensor costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and cost-effective determination of relative positions between robots, ensuring seamless follow-up control and reducing sensor costs, even in areas with poor communication connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a first mobile robot (100a) having a first module for transmitting and receiving an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signal, and a second mobile robot (100b) having a second module for transmitting and receiving the UWB signal
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of autonomous mobile robots includes a first mobile robot having a first module for transmitting and receiving an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signal, and a second mobile robot having a second module for transmitting and receiving the UWB signal. The second mobile robot follows the first mobile robot using the UWB signal.